Terminal and associated transducer assembly and method for selectively transducing in at least two frequency bands

ABSTRACT

A terminal is provided for selectively communicating in at least two frequency bands. The terminal includes an antenna transducer including a first port and a second port, where the antenna transducer is capable of selectively transducing first radio signals (e.g., low power radio frequency (LPRF) signals) to and/or from the first port, and/or second radio signals (e.g., global positioning system (GPS) signals) to and/or from the second port. In this regard, the antenna transducer is capable of transducing first radio signals such that an impedance at the second port approaches a short circuit or an open circuit, and capable of transducing second radio signals such that an impedance at the first port approaches an open circuit. An associated communication assembly and method for selectively communicating in at least two frequency bands are also provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.10/940,843, filed Sep. 14, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,469,131 which ishereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to wireless communication and,more particularly, to systems and associated terminals and methods forselective wireless communication in at least two frequency bands, suchas global positioning system (GPS) and a low power radio frequency(LPRF) frequency bands.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Mobile telephones have drastically developed during the past decade sothat in the near future, the most developed telephones will providecellular, global position system (GPS) and low power radio frequency(LPRF) radio (e.g., wireless local area network (WLAN), Bluetooth,ultrawideband (UWB), radio frequency identification (RFID), etc.)communications all in the same portable device. Typically, these devicesare designed to be hand held, but other form factors such as wristwatchtype and wearable devices may also emerge. Conventionally, such devicestypically include two or more antennas to support the different types ofwireless communications. In addition, many developed telephones willprovide for antenna diversity in one or more of these communicationtechniques by including multiple antennas that provide communication inaccordance with the same type of communication.

An antenna radiates electromagnetic waves with a power that is afunction of its electric feed signal's power and frequency. An antennahas a resonant frequency at which it has the highest gain, the gainoften referred to as the radiation power. The highest radiation powernot only affects the transmission efficiency but also the receptionefficiency so that an antenna is also most sensitive to receive radiosignals at its resonant frequency or frequencies. Hence, an antenna bestabsorbs radio signals at its resonant frequency.

With two or more different antennas used for different radiocommunications such as GPS and LPRF, for instance, the frequency bandson which these antennas operate are very close to each other or overlap,because many new radio standards share the frequency bands around1.5-2.4 GHz region. The antennas are bound to reside close to each otherif the entire apparatus housing them is small, perhaps a few centimetersin maximum dimension, and hence the coupling between the antennas isalso bound to increase. Generally, coupling between antennas is acondition when a portion of the radio signals transmitted by one antennaare captured by another antenna. Typically, as the coupling betweenantennas increases, so does the interference between the radio receiversand transmitters. Thus, it becomes more difficult to filter theundesired interference from the other transmitter. It is thus necessaryto ensure a sufficient level of isolation to provide satisfactoryefficiency for the transmissions.

As will be appreciated, coupling not only takes place when two differentantennas are used in proximity to each other, but the mere existence ofthe second antenna will often draw some radio power. In this regard, theradio power draw increases the closer the antennas are placed to oneanother, and the closer their resonant frequencies. Thus, the isolationhas often been enhanced by locating different antennas as far from eachother as possible, such as by using different polarizations, manuallyremoving an unused antenna from the device for periods when the unusedantenna is not needed, placing radiation obstacles between the antennas,and/or disconnecting the ground or feed of unused antennas. And whereasdesigning wireless communication devices to include separate antennas isadequate for providing communication in accordance with different typesof wireless communications, it is always desirable to improve upon suchdesigns. In this regard, due to portability requirements, the size ofthe radio device should be kept to a bare minimum while maintainingisolation for communicating in accordance with different wirelesscommunications techniques.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In light of the foregoing background, embodiments of the presentinvention provide an improved terminal and associated communicationassembly and method for communicating in at least two frequency bands.In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a singleantenna transducer is capable of supporting signals in accordance withGPS communication and signals in accordance with LPRF communication, andif so desired, signals generated pursuant to effectuation of cellularcommunication. In this regard, the terminal of embodiments of thepresent invention can include communication assemblies coupled to theantenna transducer at different ports, and capable of communicating inaccordance with different communication techniques in differentfrequency bands. The communication assemblies can then be configuredsuch that when one communication assembly is communicating via theantenna transducer, the other communication assembly has an impedanceapproaching or approximately equal to an open circuit or a shortcircuit. The other communication assembly therefore permits thecommunicating assembly to transmit and/or receive a sufficient portionof the signals intended for the antenna transducer and/or thecommunicating assembly, respectively. The antenna transducer andcommunication assemblies of embodiments of the present invention obviatethe existing need for separate antenna transducers to be positionedapart from one another to minimize the possibility that operation of theantenna transducer and one communication assembly might inhibitoperation of the antenna transducer and the other communicationassembly. As a result, because a single antenna construction isprovided, the physical dimensional requirements of the antennatransducer are reduced relative to conventional implementations.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a terminal is providedthat is adapted to selectively transduce radio signals in at least twofrequency bands. The terminal includes an antenna transducer (e.g.,inverted F-antenna (IFA) transducer) including a first port and a secondport, where the antenna transducer is capable of selectively transducingfirst radio signals (e.g., low power radio frequency (LPRF) signals,global positioning system (GPS) signals, etc.) to and/or from the firstport within a first frequency band, and/or second radio signals (e.g.,LPRF signals, GPS signals, etc.) to and/or from the second port within asecond frequency band. In this regard, the antenna transducer is capableof transducing first radio signals such that an impedance at the secondport approaches a short circuit or an open circuit, and is capable oftransducing second radio signals such that an impedance at the secondport approaches an open circuit.

The terminal can also include a first communication assembly coupled tothe antenna transducer at the first port of the antenna transducer,where the first communication assembly is configured to operativelycommunicate first radio signals within a first frequency band via theantenna transducer. The antenna transducer assembly is capable oftransducing second radio signals such that the first communicationassembly has an impedance at the first port approaching an open circuitwithin the second frequency band. More particularly, the firstcommunication assembly can include a first communication circuitry, afirst filter and a first transformation element (e.g., transmissionline), where the first filter is coupled between the first communicationcircuitry and the first transformation element, and the firsttransformation element is coupled to the first port of the antennatransducer.

Thus, the antenna transducer can be capable of transducing second radiosignals such that the first transformation element transforms animpedance of the first filter at the first transformation element to theopen circuit impedance of the first communication assembly at the firstport. More particularly, the first filter can have an impedance at thefirst transformation element approaching a short circuit or an opencircuit. The antenna transducer can therefore be capable of transducingsecond radio signals such that the first transformation elementtransforms the short circuit impedance of the first filter to the opencircuit impedance of the first communication assembly at the first port,or maintains the open circuit impedance of the first filter atapproximately the same open circuit impedance of the first communicationassembly at the first port.

Similarly, the terminal can further include a second communicationassembly coupled to the antenna transducer at the second port of theantenna transducer, where the second communication assembly isconfigured to operatively communicate second radio signals within asecond frequency band via the antenna transducer. The antenna transducercan be capable of transducing first radio signals such that the secondcommunication assembly has an impedance at the second port approaching ashort circuit or an open circuit within the first frequency band. Thesecond communication assembly can likewise include a secondcommunication circuitry, a second filter and a second transformationelement, where the second filter is coupled between the secondcommunication circuitry and the second transformation element, and thesecond transformation element is coupled to the second port of theantenna transducer.

The antenna transducer can therefore be capable of transducing firstradio signals such that the second transformation element transforms animpedance of the second filter at the second transformation element tothe short circuit or open circuit impedance of the second communicationassembly at the second port. More particularly, the second filter canhave an impedance at the second transformation element approaching ashort circuit or an open circuit. The antenna transducer can thereforebe capable of transducing first radio signals such that the secondtransformation element transforms the short circuit or open circuitimpedance of the second filter to the same or the other of the shortcircuit or open circuit impedance of the second communication assemblyat the second port.

If so desired, the antenna transducer can include a primary transducerportion and a secondary transducer portion. In such instances, theprimary transducer portion can be configured to effectuate communicationin accordance with a cellular communication technique. The secondtransducer portion, in turn, can include the first port and the secondport, and therefore be configured to effectuate communication inaccordance with the first and second signals.

According to other aspects of the present invention, a communicationassembly and method are provided for communicating in at least twofrequency bands. Embodiments of the present invention permit a singleantenna transducer to effectuate communication in accordance with firstsignals within a first frequency band, and second signals within asecond frequency band. In this regard, when a first communicationassembly is communicating first signals, the second communicationassembly can have an impedance approaching or approximately equal to anopen circuit or a short circuit at the antenna transducer, or moreparticularly a second port of the antenna transducer. Conversely, when asecond communication assembly is communicating second signals, the firstcommunication assembly can have an impedance approaching orapproximately equal to an open circuit at the antenna transducer, ormore particularly a first port of the antenna transducer. Thus, eachcommunication assembly can be capable of communicating via the antennatransducer with reduced, if not eliminated, interference from the othercommunication assembly. Therefore, the terminal, and associatedcommunication assembly and method of embodiments of the presentinvention solve the problems identified by prior techniques and provideadditional advantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will nowbe made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn toscale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a communications system accordingto one embodiment of the present invention including a cellular network,a public-switched telephone network and a data network;

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an entity capable of operating asa mobile terminal and/or a fixed terminal, in accordance withembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a portion of a mobile terminal inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a perspective view of a portion of a mobileterminal highlighting an antenna transducer of one embodiment of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating various steps in a method ofselectively communicating in at least two frequency bands in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodimentsof the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Likenumbers refer to like elements throughout.

Referring to FIG. 1, an illustration of one type of communicationssystem that would benefit from the present invention is provided. Itshould be understood, however, that the terminals illustrated andhereinafter described are merely illustrative of two types of terminalsthat would benefit from the present invention and, therefore, should notbe taken to limit the scope of the present invention. The system andmethod of the present invention will be primarily described inconjunction with mobile communications applications. It should beunderstood, however, that the system and method of the present inventioncan be utilized in conjunction with a variety of other applications,both in the mobile communications industries and outside of the mobilecommunications industries.

As shown, a mobile terminal 10 includes an antenna transducer 11 fortransmitting and receiving signals in accordance with a number ofdifferent wireless communication techniques. More particularly, forexample, the mobile terminal can include an antenna transducer fortransmitting signals to and receiving signals from a base site or basestation (BS) 12 in one or more of a cellular network, personalcommunication services (PCS) network and the like. The base station is apart of a cellular network that includes a mobile switching center (MSC)14 and other units required to operate the cellular network. The MSC iscapable of routing calls and messages to and from the mobile terminalwhen the mobile terminal is making and receiving calls. The MSC alsocontrols the forwarding of messages to and from the mobile terminal whenthe terminal is registered with the cellular network, and controls theforwarding of messages for the mobile terminal to and from a messagecenter (not shown). As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art,the cellular network may also be referred to as a Public Land MobileNetwork (PLMN) 20.

The PLMN 20 is capable of providing communications in accordance with anumber of different cellular communication techniques. In this regard,the PLMN is capable of operating in accordance with any of a number offirst-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), 2.5G and/orthird-generation (3G) communication techniques, and/or any of a numberof other cellular communication techniques capable of operating inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention. For example, thePLMN can be capable of operating in accordance with GSM (Global Systemfor Mobile Communication), IS-136 (Time Domain Multiple Access—TDMA),IS-95 (Code Division Multiple Access—CDMA), or EDGE (Enhanced Data GSMEnvironment) communication techniques. Within the PLMN, signalingcommunications may be provided in accordance with any of a number ofdifferent techniques, but signaling communications are typicallyprovided in accordance with the Signaling System 7 (SS7) standard.

The MSC 14, and thus the PLMN 20, can be coupled to a Public SwitchedTelephone Network (PSTN) 22 that, in turn, is coupled to one, or moretypically, a plurality of circuit-switched fixed terminals 24, such aswireline and/or wireless telephones. Like the PLMN, the PSTN is capableof providing signaling communications in accordance with any of a numberof different techniques, including SS7. The PSTN is also capable ofproviding audio communications in accordance with any of a number ofdifferent techniques. For example, the PSTN may operate in accordancewith Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) techniques, such as 64 Kbps(CCIT), and/or Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) techniques, such as 56 Kbps(ANSI).

The PLMN 20 (via the MSC 14) and the PSTN 22 can be coupled to,electrically connected to, or otherwise in electrical communication witha packet-switched network, such as an Internet Protocol (IP) network 26.Whereas the PLMN and the PSTN can be directly coupled to the IP network,in one embodiment the PLMN and PSTN are indirectly coupled to the IPnetwork by respective gateways (GTWs) 34. The IP network may be coupledto one or more packet-switched fixed terminals 28. Additionally, the IPnetwork may be coupled to one or more wireless access points (APs) 30,to which devices such as a terminal 10 may be coupled. In this regard,the terminal can be coupled to the AP in any of a number of differentmanners, such as in accordance with a low power radio frequency (LPRF)technique, such as wireless local area network (WLAN) (e.g., IEEE802.11), Bluetooth and/or ultrawideband (UWB) techniques.

Like the AP 30, the terminal 10 be coupled to one or more otherelectronic devices 32, such as other mobile terminals, car guidancesystems, personal computers, laptop computers and the like, inaccordance with a LPRF technique. Like being coupled to the AP, theterminal can be coupled to other electronic device(s) in any of a numberof different manners. For example, the terminal can be coupled to otherelectronic devices in accordance with WLAN, Bluetooth and/or UWBtechniques, as well as any of a number of other LPRF techniquesincluding radio frequency identification (RFID) techniques. As will beappreciated, by directly or indirectly coupling the terminal 10 andother electronic devices, the terminal can communicate with the otherelectronic devices, to thereby carry out various functions of theterminal.

The terminal 10 can be further coupled to one or more satellite antennas36 capable of determining, or facilitating the terminal determining, ageographic position of the terminal. In this regard, the terminal can becoupled to the antenna in accordance with a number of differentpositioning techniques, such as a global positioning (GPS) technique. Inthis regard, the terminal can be capable of receiving or otherwisedetecting time-of-arrival (TOA) signals from one or more satelliteantennas. The terminal can then be capable of determining its positionbased upon the TOA signals. For example, the terminal can be adapted todetermine its position in accordance with a conventional trilaterationtechnique based upon three TOA signals.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a block diagram of an entity capable ofoperating as a mobile terminal 10 is shown in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. As shown, the entity capable ofoperating as a terminal can generally include a processor 38 connectedto a memory 40. The memory can comprise volatile and/or non-volatilememory, and typically stores content, data or the like. For example, thememory typically stores content transmitted from, and/or received by,the entity. Also for example, the memory typically stores softwareapplications, instructions or the like for the processor to performsteps associated with operation of the entity in accordance withembodiments of the present invention.

The processor 38 can also be connected to at least one interface 42 orother means for transmitting and/or receiving data, content or the like.Along with an antenna transducer 11, the interface(s) can include ameans for communicating in accordance with any one or more of a numberof different communication techniques. For example, the interface(s) caninclude means for communicating in accordance with any of a number of1G, 2G, 2.5G and/or 3G communication techniques.

The interface(s) 42 can also include one or more means for sharingand/or obtaining data in accordance with one or more LPRF techniques.For example, the interface(s) can include a WLAN module comprising aWLAN transmitter, receiver or transceiver so that data can be sharedwith and/or obtained from other electronic devices 32 that include otherWLAN modules. Additionally or alternatively, the interface(s) caninclude a Bluetooth module comprising a Bluetooth transmitter, receiveror transceiver, a UWB module comprising a UWB transmitter, receiver ortransceiver, and/or a RFID module comprising a RFID transmitter,receiver or transceiver. In such instances, the terminal 10 can shareand/or obtain data from other electronic devices that similarly includeother Bluetooth, UWB and/or RFID modules, respectively. Further, theinterface(s) can include a positioning module, such as a GPS module. Asindicated above, the GPS module can be capable of receiving or otherwisedetecting TOA signals from one or more satellite antennas 36 such thatthe terminal can then determine its position.

To effectuate cellular communication of the mobile terminal 10,forward-link signals transmitted by a base station 12 to the terminalcan be converted from an electromagnetic form to an electrical form bythe antenna transducer 11. Similarly, reverse-link signals originated atthe terminal to be transmitted to a base station can also be transducedby the antenna transducer. If so desired, the same antenna transducercan also be configured to effectuate communication of the mobileterminal in accordance with a GPS technique. In this regard, the sameantenna transducer can be configured to receive, and convert intoelectrical form, positioning (e.g., TOA) signals transmitted from asatellite antenna 36 in accordance with a GPS technique. For moreinformation on such a transducer, see U.S. Pat. No. 6,618,011, entitled:Antenna Transducer Assembly, and an Associated Method Therefore, issuedSep. 9, 2003, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by referencein its entirety.

As will be appreciated, in lieu of configuring the antenna transducer 11to effectuate both cellular communication and GPS communication, themobile terminal 10 can include separate transducers for effectuatingeach type of communication. In accordance with embodiments of thepresent invention, however, the transducer effectuating GPScommunication can also be configured to effectuate communication of theterminal in accordance with a LPRF technique, irrespective of whetherthe terminal includes separate transducers effectuating cellularcommunication and GPS communication. More particularly, to permit theterminal to receive signals from other electronic devices 32 inaccordance with a LPRF technique, forward-link signals communicated byanother electronic device to the terminal are converted from anelectromagnetic form into an electrical form at the same antennatransducer effectuating GPS communication. Conversely, to permit theterminal to transmit signals to other electronic devices in accordancewith a LPRF technique, reverse-link signals originated at the terminalcan also be transduced by the same antenna transducer.

Embodiments of the present invention therefore permit a single antennatransducer 11 construction to transduce signals generated pursuant toeffectuation of GPS communication and signals generated pursuant toeffectuation of LPRF communication, and if so desired, signals generatedpursuant to effectuation of cellular communication. As will beappreciated, the frequency bands within which LPRF communication iseffectuated and within which GPS signals are transmitted are typicallydissimilar. Conventional antenna transducers and associatedcommunication modules (e.g., GPS and LPRF communication modules),however, may generate signal energy, particularly reverse-link signals,that inhibit desired communication. The terminal 10 and antennatransducer construction of embodiments of the present invention obviatethe existing need for separate antenna transducers to be positionedapart from one another to minimize the possibility that operation of theantenna transducer and GPS module effectuating GPS communication mightinhibit operation of the antenna transducer and LPRF module effectuatingLPRF communication, or vice versa. As a result, because a single antennaconstruction is provided, the physical dimensional requirements of theantenna transducer are reduced relative to conventional implementations.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which more particularly illustrates ablock diagram of a portion of a mobile terminal 10 in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention, including an antenna transducer 11and an interface 42 including a first communication module 44 and asecond communication module 46. The first communication module iscapable of effectuating the transmission and/or reception of radiosignals within a first frequency band. The second communication module,on the other hand, is capable of effectuating the transmission and/orreception of radio signals lower than the first frequency band. Asexplained below, the first communication module comprises an LPRF module44 capable of operating in accordance with a LPRF communicationtechnique, whereas the second communication module comprises a GPSmodule 46 capable of operating in accordance with a GPS communicationtechnique. It should be understood, however, that the first and secondcommunication modules can comprise any of a number of different moduleswithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.For example, the first communication module can alternatively comprise aPCS module capable of operating in accordance with a PCS communicationtechnique, while the second communication module comprises a cellularmodule 46 capable of operating in accordance with a cellularcommunication technique.

As shown, the antenna transducer 11 and LPRF module 44 are electricallycoupled via a LPRF transformation element. Similarly, the antennatransducer and GPS module 46 are electrically coupled via a GPStransformation element. As explained below, the transformation elementsare capable of transforming or otherwise maintaining an impedance of therespective modules at the antenna transducer to thereby isolate themodules from one another during operation. In one typical embodiment,for example, the transformation elements comprise transmission lines,such as microstrip transmission lines. More particularly, thetransformation elements of one embodiment comprise an LPRF transmissionline 48 coupling the antenna transducer and LPRF module, and a GPStransmission line 50 coupling the antenna transducer and the GPS module.As described below, then, the transformation elements comprisetransmission lines. It should be understood, however, that thetransformation elements can additionally or alternatively include any ofa number of other elements, such as a number of lumped circuit elements,capable of performing the functions described below with respect to therespective transmission lines. As also explained below, the LPRF modulemore particularly comprises a WLAN module for communicating inaccordance with a WLAN technique. It should be understood, however, thatthe LPRF module can alternatively comprise any of a number of othermodules for communicating in accordance with any of a number of otherLPRF techniques, including Bluetooth, UWB and/or RFID techniques.

The LPRF module 44 can comprise LPRF circuitry 44 a, such as LPRFtransceiver circuitry including a receiver portion having, for example,down-conversion and demodulation circuitry and a data sink. The LPRFcircuitry can also include a transmitter portion having, for example,modulation and up-conversion circuitry. In addition to the LPRFcircuitry, the LPRF module can include a LPRF filter 44 b that can becoupled to the LPRF transmission line 48, which is in turn coupled tothe antenna transducer by way of a LPRF port 52 of the antennatransducer. To facilitate isolating the LPRF circuitry, the LPRF filteris configured such that the impedance of the LPRF filter at the LPRFtransmission line (i.e., Z_(in)) approaches a short circuit at theoperative frequency band of the GPS module 46 (e.g., approximately 1,575MHz) to thereby at least partially prevent the transmission and/orreception of signals from and/or to the LPRF circuitry at the GPSoperative frequency band. Otherwise, the LPRF filter is configured to atleast partially permit the transmission and/or reception of signals fromand/or to the LPRF circuitry.

Similarly, the GPS module 46 can comprise GPS circuitry 46 a, such asGPS receiver circuitry including a receiver portion having, for example,down-conversion and demodulation circuitry and a data sink. The GPSmodule can also include a GPS filter 46 b that is coupled to the GPStransmission line 50, which is in turn coupled to the antenna transducerby way of a GPS port 54 of the antenna transducer. Similar to the LPRFfilter 44 b, the GPS filter is configured such that the impedance of theGPS filter at the GPS transmission line approaches a short circuit or anopen circuit at the operative frequency band of the LPRF module 44(e.g., approximately 2,442 MHz for WLAN) to thereby at least partiallyprevent the transmission and/or reception of signals from and/or to theGPS circuitry at the LPRF operative frequency band. Alternatively, theGPS filter can be configured such that the impedance of the GPS filterat the GPS transmission line approaches an open circuit at the LPRFoperative frequency band. In either event, at frequencies other thanthose of the LPRF operative frequency band, the GPS filter is configuredto at least partially permit the transmission and/or reception ofsignals from and/or to the GPS circuitry.

As also shown, the antenna transducer 11 is further coupled to anelectrical ground plane 56 by way of a ground port 58. While notseparately shown, portions of the LPRF module 44 and GPS module 46 arealso coupled to the ground plane. The antenna transducer is operableduring operation of the mobile terminal 10 to transduce communicationsignals into and out of electromagnetic form.

As will be appreciated, the antenna transducer 11 can comprise any of anumber of different transducers capable of transducing signals. In oneembodiment, for example, the transducer comprises an inverted F-antenna(IFA), such as a planar IFA. Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, a portionof the mobile terminal 10 is shown, highlighting one exemplar IFAcapable of functioning as the antenna transducer of one embodiment ofthe present invention. As shown, the antenna transducer includes aprimary transducer portion 11 a configured to effectuate communicationin accordance with a cellular communication technique, and a secondarytransducer portion 11 b configured to effectuate GPS communication andLPRF communication. As indicated above, however, the terminal caninclude separate transducers for effectuating cellular communication andGPS/LPRF communication.

Circuitry for cellular communication (not shown) is disposed on asubstrate 60 that can comprise, for example, a printed wiring board(PWB). In addition, the LPRF and GPS modules 44, 46 are disposed on thesubstrate. The circuitry can then be coupled with ports of the antennatransducer by way of transmission lines. The antenna transducer 11 isformed, or mounted upon, the same substrate upon which the cellularcircuitry and LPRF/GPS modules are disposed. The antenna transducer isformed of transmission lines operable to transduce signals at thefrequency bands in which the cellular communication system, GPS and LPRFare operable.

More particularly, the primary transducer portion 11 a is positioned ata selected elevation above the substrate 60, such as at an elevation ofapproximately 10 mm above the substrate. In this regard, although notshown, the primary transducer portion can be disposed or otherwisesecured to a top surface of a carrier which, in turn, is secured orotherwise secured to the substrate. The primary transducer portionincludes a downwardly-projecting cellular feed line contact 62 thatengages, and becomes electrically coupled to, a cellular port 64 of theantenna transducer. The primary transducer portion also includes adownwardly-projecting ground contact 66 that engages, and becomeselectrically coupled to, a ground port 67 of the antenna transducer, theground port being further coupled to the substrate (i.e., electricalground plane 56).

The primary transducer portion 11 a also includes a first arm 69 and asecond arm 71. The arms are of selected lengths, which can be the sameor different from one another. In this regard, when the arms are ofdifferent lengths, phase differences can exist between the radiofrequency-energy coupled from the separate arms. Through appropriateselection of the lengths of the arms, and the relative differencestherebetween, the primary transducer portion can be caused to exhibitcharacteristics whereby the energy of the separate arms cancel oneanother out at the frequencies in which either the LPRF module 44 or theGPS module 46 is operable. In this regard, for example, when the LPRFmodule comprises a WLAN module, the LPRF module can be operable atapproximately 2,442 MHz frequency levels, while the GPS module can beoperable at approximately 1,575.42 MHz frequency levels. The primarytransducer portion can therefore be of dimensions such that the RFenergy of the first and second arms cancel out one another atfrequencies including the 2,442 MHz and/or 1,575.42 MHz frequencyranges.

The secondary transducer portion 11 b is also positioned at a selectedelevation above the substrate. In various configurations, the secondarytransducer portion can be disposed proximate an outer edge of theprimary transducer portion at an elevation above the substrate less thanthat of the primary transducer portion 11 a such that the primarytransducer portion rests above the secondary transducer portion. Again,although not shown, the secondary transducer portion can be disposed orotherwise secured to a side surface of a carrier which, in turn, issecured or otherwise secured to the substrate. Similar to the primarytransducer portion, the secondary transducer portion includes adownwardly-projecting LPRF feed line contact 68 that engages, andbecomes electrically coupled to, the LPRF port 52 of the antennatransducer. The secondary transducer portion also includes adownwardly-projecting GPS feed line contact 70 that engages, and becomeselectrically coupled to, the GPS port 54 of the antenna transducer. Inaddition, the secondary transducer portion includes adownwardly-projecting ground contact 72 that engages, and becomeselectrically coupled to, the ground port 58 of the antenna transducer,the ground port being further coupled to the substrate (i.e., electricalground plane 56).

The secondary transducer portion 11 b can extend in perpendiculardirections such that, in operation, currents in the parts of the secondantenna transducer portion exhibit right-handed circular polarizationdue to the configuration of the second antenna transducer portion andthe relative positioning of the primary transducer portion Hathereabove. Through appropriate placement of the cellular feed linecontact 62, then, the energy transduced at the primary transducerportion facilitates inducement of the circular polarizationcharacteristics exhibited by the secondary transducer portion.

More particularly, the secondary transducer portion 11 b can include anelongated member 74 and a transverse-extending member 76 that extendsfrom an end of the elongated member in a direction generally transverseto the longitudinal direction of the elongated member. The contacts canthen be disposed such that the GPS feed line and ground contacts 70, 72extend downwardly from a position proximate an end of the secondarytransducer portion opposite the transverse-extending member, such as inthe same manner as that of the transducer disclosed by theaforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 6,618,011. The LPRF feed line contact 68,on the other hand, extends downwardly from a position of the secondarytransducer portion that permits efficient LPRF operation. Because LPRFtechniques such as WLAN, Bluetooth, UWB and RFID operate in frequencybands above that of GPS, however, the LPRF feed line contact typicallyextends downwardly from a position of the secondary transducer portionbetween the GPS feed line contact and the open end of thetransverse-extending member (i.e., the end opposite the elongatedmember).

Typically, the length of the secondary transducer portion 11 b from theLPRF feed line contact 68 to the open end of the transverse-extendingmember 76 is configured such that the secondary transducer portionresonates within the LPRF frequency band, while the impedance of the GPSmodule 46 and GPS transmission line 50 approach an open circuit or ashort circuit at the GPS port 54. Similarly, the length of the secondarytransducer portion from the GPS feed line contact 70 to the open end ofthe transverse-extending member is configured such that the secondarytransducer portion resonates within the GPS frequency band, while theimpedance of the LPRF module 44 and LPRF transmission line 48 approachesan open circuit at the LPRF port 52. More particularly, for example, thesum of the lengths of the downwardly-extending LPRF feed line contact 68and the transverse-extending member can equal approximately one-quarterwavelength of signals within the LPRF frequency band, while the sum ofthe downwardly-extending GPS feed line contact 70, elongated member andtransverse-extending member equal approximately one-quarter wavelengthof signals within the GPS frequency band.

Again referring to FIG. 3, to permit the secondary transducer portion 11b to effectively, selectively effectuate both LPRF and GPScommunication, the GPS module 46 and GPS transmission line 50 can beconfigured such that the impedance of the GPS module and GPStransmission line approach an open circuit or a short circuit at the GPSport 54 when the secondary transducer portion is effectuating LPRFcommunication within the LPRF frequency band. Likewise, the LPRF module44 and LPRF transmission line 48 can be configured such that theimpedance of the LPRF module and LPRF transmission line approach an opencircuit at the LPRF port 52 when the secondary transducer portion iseffectuating GPS communication within the GPS frequency band. In suchinstances, the LPRF transmission line 48 and the GPS transmission line50 can be configured for matched-impedance operation, such as at 50Ohms, at the operative frequencies of the LPRF module and GPS module,respectively. As will be appreciated, by so configuring the GPS moduleand GPS transmission line, and the LPRF module and LPRF transmissionline, the LPRF/GPS modules can be capable of transmitting and/orreceiving a sufficient portion of the signals intended for the secondarytransducer portion and/or the LPRF/GPS modules, respectively.

The LPRF/GPS modules 44, 46 and LPRF/GPS transmission lines 48, 50 canbe configured in any of a number of different manners. For example, thelength of the LPRF transmission line can be selected such that theimpedance of the LPRF module and LPRF transmission line at the LPRF port52 (i.e., the load impedance at the LPRF port) approaches or otherwiseapproximates an open circuit (i.e., Z_(L)=∞Ohms) at the GPS operativefrequency band (e.g., approximately 1,575 MHz). Similarly, for example,the length of the GPS transmission line can be selected such that theimpedance of the GPS module and the GPS transmission line at the GPSport 54 (i.e., the load impedance) approaches or otherwise approximatesa short circuit (i.e., Z_(L)=0 Ohms) or an open circuit (i.e.,Z_(L)=∞Ohms) at the LPRF operative frequency band (e.g., approximately2,442 MHz for WLAN). By so configuring the LPRF/GPS modules and LPRF/GPStransmission lines, each module and transmission line can operate toeffectuate communication via the antenna transducer 11 with reducedinterference from the other module and transmission line.

As shown in FIG. 3, in accordance with lossless transmission theory,when the input impedance of the LPRF filter 44 b (i.e., Z_(in)) at theLPRF transmission line 48 approaches a short circuit, the length of theLPRF transmission line can be selected to transform the filter impedanceto approach an open circuit (i.e., Z_(L)=∞Ohms) at the LPRF port 52 inaccordance with the following:

$\begin{matrix}{Z_{in} = \frac{Z_{L} + {j\; Z_{0}\tan\;\beta\; l_{LPRF}}}{Z_{0} + {j\; Z_{L}\tan\;\beta\; l_{LPRF}}}} & (1)\end{matrix}$In equation (1), β represents the phase constant of the LPRFtransmission line, l_(LPRF) represents the length of the LPRFtransmission line, and Z₀ represents the characteristic impedance of theLPRF transmission line (e.g., 50 Ohms). As explained above, the LPRFfilter can be configured such that the impedance of the LPRF filter atthe LPRF transmission line approaches or approximates a short circuit toground (i.e., Z_(in)=0 Ohms) at the GPS operative frequency band (e.g.,approximately 1,575 MHz). Thus, as shown in equation (1), for the loadimpedance at the LPRF port to approach or approximate an open circuitwhile the input impedance to the LPRF transmission line approaches orapproximates a short circuit, the product of the phase constant, β, andthe length of the LPRF transmission line, l_(LPRF), approaches orotherwise approximately equals π/2 (or an odd multiple thereof). Thatis, the product of the phase constant and the length of the LPRFtransmission line can be expressed as follows:

$\begin{matrix}{{\beta\; l_{LPRF}} = \frac{\pi}{2}} & (2)\end{matrix}$

As is well known to those skilled in the art, the phase constant, β, ofthe LPRF transmission line 48 at the GPS operative frequency band can beexpressed as follows:

$\begin{matrix}{\beta = {\frac{2\pi\; f_{GPS}}{c}\sqrt{\mu_{r}ɛ_{r}}}} & (3)\end{matrix}$where f_(GPS) represents the GPS operative frequency, c represents thespeed of light in a vacuum (i.e., c≈3×10⁸ m/s), and μ_(r) and ε_(r)represent the relative permeability and permittivity, respectively, ofthe substrate 60. Combining equations (2) and (3), then, it can be shownthat the length of the LPRF transmission line can be selected orotherwise determined as follows:

$\begin{matrix}{l_{LPRF} = \frac{c}{4f_{GPS}\sqrt{\mu_{r}ɛ_{r}}}} & (4)\end{matrix}$Presume that the relative permeability approaches or otherwiseapproximates unity (i.e., μ_(r)≈1.0), as may be the case in one typicalembodiment. Also, presuming that the relative permittivity of the PWBsubstrate 60 equals 3.5 (i.e., ε_(r)=3.5), and that the GPS frequencyequals 1,575 MHz (i.e., f_(GPS)=1,575 MHz), the length of the LPRFtransmission line can be selected or otherwise determined to equalapproximately 25.45 mm (i.e., (3×10⁸)/(4×(1,575×10⁶)×3.5 ^(1/2))).

As will be appreciated, when the length of the GPS transmission line 50is selected such that the impedance of the GPS module 46 and the GPStransmission line at the GPS port 54 (i.e., the load impedance)approaches or approximates an open circuit (i.e., Z_(L)=∞Ohms) at theLPRF operative frequency band (e.g., approximately 2,442 MHz for WLAN),the length of the GPS transmission line can generally be selected orotherwise determined in a manner similar that described above withrespect to the LPRF transmission line 48. More particularly, forexample, similar to equation (4), for the load impedance at the GPS port54 to approach or approximate an open circuit while the input impedanceto the GPS transmission line approaches or approximates a short circuitat the LPRF operative frequency, f_(LPRF), the length, l_(GPS), of theGPS transmission line 50 can be selected or otherwise determined asfollows:

$\begin{matrix}{l_{GPS} = \frac{c}{4f_{LPRF}\sqrt{\mu_{r}ɛ_{r}}}} & (5)\end{matrix}$Again, presume that the relative permeability approximates 1.0, and thatthe relative permittivity of the PWB substrate 60 equals 3.5. For a LPRFfrequency of 2,442 MHz for WLAN, for example, the length of the GPStransmission line can be selected or otherwise determined to equalapproximately 16.42 mm (i.e., (3×10⁸)/(4×(2,442×10⁶)×3.5^(1/2))).

Alternatively, as indicated above, the GPS filter 46 b can be configuredsuch that the impedance of the GPS filter at the GPS transmission line50 approaches or approximates an open circuit at the LPRF operativefrequency band. In such instances, the length of the GPS transmissionline can be selected such that the impedance of the GPS module 46 andthe GPS transmission line at the GPS port 54 approaches or approximatesa short circuit. Again in accordance with lossless transmission theory,and more particularly in accordance with equation (1) above, for theload impedance (i.e., Z_(L)) at the GPS port to approach or approximatea short circuit while the input impedance of the GPS filter at the GPStransmission line approaches or approximates an open circuit, theproduct of the phase constant, β, and the length of the GPS transmissionline, l_(GPS), approaches or otherwise approximately equals π/2 (or anodd multiple thereof). Thus, in such instances, the length of the GPStransmission line can again be selected or otherwise determined inaccordance with equation (5).

Although the lengths of the transmission lines can be selected totransform an input impedance approaching a short circuit or an opencircuit into the other one of the open circuit and short circuit, itshould be understood that the length one or both of the transmissionlines (i.e., LPRF transmission line 48 and/or GPS transmission line 50)can alternatively be selected to transform or otherwise maintain aninput impedance (i.e., Z_(in)) approaching an open circuit atapproximately the same input impedance. Further, the length of the GPStransmission line can be selected to transform or otherwise maintain aninput impedance approaching a short circuit at approximately the sameinput impedance. In accordance with equation (1), for the load impedance(i.e., Z_(L)) at the LPRF port 52 to approach or approximate an opencircuit while the input impedance to the LPRF transmission line 48 alsoapproaches or approximates an open circuit, the product of the phaseconstant, β, and the length of the LPRF transmission line, l_(LPRF),approaches or otherwise approximately equals π (or a multiple thereof).That is, the product of the phase constant and the length of the LPRFtransmission line can be expressed as follows:βl_(LPRF)=π  (6)Combining equations (3) and (6), then, it can be shown that when theinput impedance to the LPRF transmission line approaches an opencircuit, the length of the LPRF transmission line can be selected orotherwise determined as follows:

$\begin{matrix}{l_{LPRF} = \frac{c}{2f_{GPS}\sqrt{\mu_{r}ɛ_{r}}}} & (7)\end{matrix}$

Similarly, it can be shown that the when the input impedance (i.e.,Z_(in)) to the GPS transmission line 50 approaches an open circuit, thelength of the GPS transmission line can be selected or otherwisedetermined as follows:

$\begin{matrix}{l_{GPS} = \frac{c}{2f_{LPRF}\sqrt{\mu_{r}ɛ_{r}}}} & (8)\end{matrix}$Further, for the load impedance (i.e., Z_(L)) at the GPS port 54 toapproach or approximate a short circuit while the input impedance to theGPS transmission line also approaches or approximates a short circuit,the product of the phase constant, β, and the length of the GPStransmission line, l_(GPS), approaches or otherwise approximately equalsπ (or a multiple thereof). In such instances, then, the length of theGPS transmission line can be determined in accordance with equation (8).

Reference is now made to FIG. 5, which illustrates various steps in amethod of selectively communicating in at least two frequency bands inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In the method,a first communication assembly, including a first communication module(e.g., LPRF module 44 or GPS module 46) and a first transmission line(e.g., LPRF transmission line 48 or GPS transmission line 50), isconfigured to operatively communicate first radio signals (e.g., LPRF orGPS) within a first frequency band via an antenna transducer 11, thefirst communication assembly and antenna transducer being coupled at afirst port of the antenna transducer. Similarly, a second communicationassembly, including a second communication module (e.g., other of theLPRF module and GPS module) and a second transmission line (e.g., otherof the LPRF transmission line and GPS transmission line), is configuredto operatively communicate second radio signals (e.g., other of LPRF orGPS) within a second frequency band via the same antenna transducer, thesecond communication assembly and antenna being coupled at a second portof the antenna transducer.

Thus, as shown in block 80, the method includes selectively transducingfirst radio signals at the antenna transducer 11. As the first radiosignals are transduced within the first frequency band, the secondcommunication assembly has an impedance at the second port approachingor otherwise approximately equal to a short circuit or an open circuit.More particularly, the second communication module can include secondcommunication circuitry (e.g., GPS circuitry 46 a) and a second filter(e.g., GPS filter 46 b) between the second communication circuitry andthe second transmission line (e.g., GPS transmission line 50). In suchinstances, as the first radio signals are transduced within the firstfrequency band, the second filter can have an impedance at the secondtransmission line approaching or otherwise approximately equal to ashort circuit when the second communication assembly has an impedance atthe second port approaching or otherwise approximately equal to an opencircuit. Alternatively, the second filter can have an impedance at thesecond transmission line approaching or otherwise approximately equal toan open circuit when the second communication assembly has an impedanceat the second port approaching or otherwise approximately equal to ashort circuit. As can be seen, then, the second transmission line can beoperative to transform the short circuit or open circuit impedance ofthe second filter to the other one of the short circuit and the opencircuit impedance of the second communication assembly at the secondport. As indicated above, by so configuring the second communicationassembly, the first communication assembly can be capable oftransmitting and/or receiving a sufficient portion of the signalsintended for the antenna transducer and/or the first communicationassembly, respectively.

As shown in block 82, the method also includes selectively transducingthe second radio signals at the antenna transducer. Similar to before,as the second radio signals are transduced within the second frequencyband, the first communication assembly has an impedance at the firstport approaching or otherwise approximately equal to an open circuit.More particularly, the first communication module can include firstcommunication circuitry (e.g., LPRF circuitry 44 a) and a first filter(e.g., LPRF filter 44 b) between the first communication circuitry andthe second transmission line (e.g., GPS transmission line 48). In suchinstances, as the second radio signals are transduced within the secondfrequency band, the first filter can have an impedance at the firsttransmission line approaching or otherwise approximately equal to ashort circuit. Also similar to before, the first transmission line canbe operative to transform the short circuit impedance of the firstfilter to an open circuit impedance of the first communication assemblyimpedance at the first port. Further, by so configuring the firstcommunication assembly, the second communication assembly can be capableof transmitting and/or receiving a sufficient portion of the signalsintended for the antenna transducer and/or the second communicationassembly, respectively.

As explained above, the antenna transducer 11 can be capable oftransducing radio signals in a first frequency band (e.g., LPRFfrequency band) and a second frequency band (e.g., GPS frequency band).It should be understood, however, that the antenna transducer canlikewise be capable of transducing radio signals in more than two bandswithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.For example, the antenna transducer can be configured to transduce GPSradio signals at approximately 1,575 MHz and WLAN radio signals atapproximately 2,442 MHz, and can additionally be configured to transduceWLAN radio signals between approximately 5,150 and 5,825 MHz. In suchinstances, the antenna transducer can include additional ports, whilethe antenna includes additional communication modules and transformationelements. The communication modules and transformation elements, then,can be designed or otherwise selected in a manner similar to thoseexplained above.

As also explained above, a filter (LPRF filter 44 b, GPS filter 46 b)can have an input impedance (i.e., Z_(in)) at a respective transmissionline (LPRF transmission line 48, GPS transmission line 50) approaching ashort circuit or an open circuit in various instances. It should beunderstood, however, that the filter can alternatively have any of anumber of other impedances without departing from the spirit and scopeof the present invention. For example, the filter can alternatively bedesigned or otherwise configured to provide a large standing wave ratio(SWR) (i.e., a filter impedance close to the exterior of a Smith chart)at the respective transmission line. Generally, then, irrespective ofthe input impedances of the filters, the transformation elements (e.g.,transmission lines) can be configured, designed, selected or otherwiseadapted to transform the input impedances into a load impedance at arespective port of the antenna transducer, the load impedanceapproaching an open circuit (LPRF port 52, GPS port 54) or a shortcircuit (lower frequency band port, e.g., GPS port 54).

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come tomind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains havingthe benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions andthe associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that theinvention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed andthat modifications and other embodiments are intended to be includedwithin the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms areemployed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense onlyand not for purposes of limitation.

1. An apparatus comprising: a first port and a second port that isphysically separated from the first port; and a transducer portionhaving an open end, a first feed line contact projecting from thetransducer portion and engaging the first port, and a second feed linecontact projecting from the transducer portion and engaging the secondport, the first and second feed line contacts being positioned along thetransducer portion at respective lengths from the open end of thetransducer portion, wherein the apparatus is configured to selectivelytransduce at least one of first radio signals at least one of to or fromthe first port within a first frequency band, or second radio signals atleast one of to or from the second port within a second frequency band,wherein the sum of the length of the transducer portion from the openend to the first feed line contact, and the length of the first feedline contact, is configured such that the transducer portion resonateswithin the first frequency band, and wherein the sum of the length ofthe transducer portion from the open end to the second feed linecontact, and the length of the second feed line contact, is configuredsuch that the transducer portion resonates within the second frequencyband.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sum of the length of thetransducer portion from the open end to the first feed line contact, andthe length of the first feed line contact, is configured such that thetransducer portion resonates within the first frequency band while animpedance at the second port approaches one of a short circuit or anopen circuit, and wherein the sum of the length of the transducerportion from the open end to the second feed line contact, and thelength of the second feed line contact, is configured such that thetransducer portion resonates within the second frequency band while animpedance at the first port approaches an open circuit.
 3. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the sum of the length of the transducer portion fromthe open end to the first feed line contact, and the length of the firstfeed line contact, is equal to approximately one-quarter or integermultiple of one-quarter wavelength or effective wavelength of the firstradio signals within the first frequency band, and wherein the sum ofthe length of the transducer portion from the open end to the secondfeed line contact, and the length of the second feed line contact, isequal to approximately one-quarter or integer multiple of one-quarterwavelength or effective wavelength of the second radio signals withinthe second frequency band.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thetransducer portion is configured to be disposed on a carrier that issecured to a substrate to thereby position the transducer portion at aselected elevation above the substrate.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the first port is couplable to a first communication assemblyconfigured to operatively communicate the first radio signals within afirst frequency band via the antenna transducer, and wherein theapparatus is configured such that, when the apparatus is coupled to thefirst communication assembly and the apparatus transduces the secondradio signals, the first communication assembly has an impedance at thefirst port approaching an open circuit.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5,wherein the first port being couplable to a first communication assemblyincludes being couplable to a first communication assembly including afirst communication circuitry, a first filter and a first transformationelement, the first filter being coupled between the first communicationcircuitry and the first transformation element, the first transformationelement being couplable to the first port, and wherein the apparatus isconfigured such that, when the apparatus is coupled to the firstcommunication assembly and the apparatus transduces the second radiosignals, the first transformation element transforms an impedance of thefirst filter at the first transformation element to the open circuitimpedance of the first communication assembly at the first port.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 6, wherein the apparatus is configured such that,when the apparatus is coupled to the first communication assembly andthe apparatus transduces the second radio signals, (a) the first filterhas an impedance at the first transformation element approaching a shortcircuit, and (b) the first transformation element transforms the shortcircuit impedance of the first filter to the open circuit impedance ofthe first communication assembly at the first port.
 8. The apparatus ofclaim 6, wherein the apparatus is configured such that, when theapparatus is coupled to the first communication assembly and theapparatus transduces the second radio signals, (a) the first filter hasan impedance at the first transformation element approaching an opencircuit, and (b) the first transformation element maintains the opencircuit impedance of the first filter at approximately the same opencircuit impedance of the first communication assembly at the first port.9. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the second port is couplable to asecond communication assembly configured to operatively communicate thesecond radio signals within a second frequency band via the antennatransducer, and wherein the apparatus is configured such that, when theapparatus is coupled to the second communication assembly and theapparatus transduces the first radio signals, the second communicationassembly has an impedance at the second port approaching one of a shortcircuit or an open circuit.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein thesecond port being couplable to a second communication assembly includesbeing couplable to a second communication assembly including a secondcommunication circuitry, a second filter and a second transformationelement, the second filter being coupled between the secondcommunication circuitry and the second transformation element, and thesecond transformation element being couplable to the second port, andwherein the apparatus is configured such that, when the apparatus iscoupled to the second communication assembly and the apparatustransduces the first radio signals, the second transformation elementtransforms an impedance of the second filter at the secondtransformation element to the one of the short circuit or open circuitimpedance of the second communication assembly at the second port. 11.The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the apparatus is configured suchthat, when the apparatus is coupled to the second communication assemblyand the apparatus transduces the first radio signals, (a) the secondfilter has an impedance at the second transformation element approachingone of a short circuit or an open circuit, and (b) the secondtransformation element transforms the one of the short circuit or opencircuit impedance of the second filter to the other one of the shortcircuit or open circuit impedance of the second communication assemblyat the second port.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the apparatusis configured such that, when the apparatus is coupled to the secondcommunication assembly and the apparatus transduces the first radiosignals, (a) the second filter has an impedance at the secondtransformation element approaching one of a short circuit or an opencircuit, and (b) the second transformation element transforms the one ofthe short circuit or open circuit impedance of the second filter to thesame one of the short circuit or open circuit impedance of the secondcommunication assembly at the second port.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the first port is couplable to a first communication assemblyconfigured to operatively communicate low power radio frequency (LPRF)radio signals within the first frequency band via the apparatus, andwherein the second port is couplable to a second communication assemblyconfigured to operatively communicate global positioning system (GPS)radio signals within the second frequency band via the apparatus. 14.The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a primary transducerportion configured to effectuate communication in accordance with acellular communication technique; and a second transducer portionincluding the transducer portion, first and second feed line contacts,and the first port and the second port.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14,wherein the transducer portion forms at least part of an invertedF-antenna (IFA) transducer.
 16. An apparatus comprising: an antennatransducer comprising a first port and a second port that is physicallyseparated from the first port, wherein the antenna transducer furtherincludes a transducer portion having an open end, a first feed linecontact projecting from the transducer portion and engaging the firstport, and a second feed line contact projecting from the transducerportion and engaging the second port, the first and second feed linecontacts being positioned along the transducer portion at respectivelengths from the open end of the transducer portion, wherein the antennatransducer is configured to selectively transduce at least one of firstradio signals at least one of to or from the first port within a firstfrequency band, or second radio signals at least one of to or from thesecond port within a second frequency band, wherein the sum of thelength of the transducer portion from the open end to the first feedline contact, and the length of the first feed line contact, isconfigured such that the transducer portion resonates within the firstfrequency band, and wherein the sum of the length of the transducerportion from the open end to the second feed line contact, and thelength of the second feed line contact, is configured such that thetransducer portion resonates within the second frequency band; acommunication module configured to operatively communicate radio signalswithin a frequency band via the antenna transducer; and a transformationelement coupled to the communication module and the first port of theantenna transducer, and wherein at least one of the communication moduleor transformation element are configured such that, when the antennatransducer transduces the second radio signals, an impedance at thefirst port approaches one of a short circuit or an open circuit.
 17. Theapparatus of claim 16, wherein the sum of the length of the transducerportion from the open end to the first feed line contact, and the lengthof the first feed line contact, is equal to approximately one-quarter orinteger multiple of one-quarter wavelength or effective wavelength ofthe first radio signals within the first frequency band, wherein the sumof the length of the transducer portion from the open end to the secondfeed line contact, and the length of the second feed line contact, isequal to approximately one-quarter or integer multiple of one-quarterwavelength or effective wavelength of the second radio signals withinthe second frequency band.
 18. The apparatus of claim 16 furthercomprising: a substrate; and a carrier secured to the substrate, whereinthe transducer portion is disposed on the carrier to thereby positionthe transducer portion at a selected elevation above the substrate. 19.The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the communication module comprises acommunication circuitry and a filter, wherein the filter is coupledbetween the communication circuitry and the transformation element, andthe transformation element is coupled to the first port of the antennatransducer, and wherein at least one of the filter or the transformationelement are configured such that, when the antenna transducer transducesthe second radio signals, the transformation element transforms animpedance of the filter at the transformation element to the one of theshort circuit or open circuit impedance at the first port.
 20. Theapparatus of claim 19, wherein the transformation element comprises atransmission line configured to transform the impedance of the filter tothe one of the short circuit or open circuit impedance at the firstport.
 21. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein at least one of the filteror the transformation element are configured such that, when the antennatransducer transduces the second radio signals, the filter has animpedance at the transformation element approaching one of an shortcircuit or an open circuit, and such that the transformation elementtransforms the one of the open circuit or short circuit impedance of thefilter to the other one of the short circuit or open circuit impedanceat the first port.
 22. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein at least oneof the filter or the transformation element are configured such that,when the antenna transducer transduces the second radio signals, thefilter has an impedance at the transformation element approaching one ofan short circuit or an open circuit, and such that the transformationelement transforms the one of the open circuit or short circuitimpedance of the filter to the same one of the short circuit or opencircuit impedance at the first port.
 23. The apparatus of claim 16,wherein the communication module is configured to operativelycommunicate low power radio frequency (LPRF) radio signals via theantenna transducer, and wherein the transformation element is coupled toan antenna transducer configured to selectively transduce at least oneof LPRF radio signals at least one of to or from the first port, orglobal positioning system (GPS) radio signals at least one of to or fromthe second port.
 24. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein thecommunication module is configured to operatively communicate globalpositioning system (GPS) radio signals via the antenna transducer, andwherein the transformation element is coupled to an antenna transducerconfigured to selectively transduce at least one of GPS radio signals atleast one of to or from the first port, or low power radio frequency(LPRF) radio signals at least one of to or from the second port.
 25. Theapparatus of claim 16, wherein the transformation element is coupled toan antenna transducer including a primary transducer portion configuredto effectuate communication in accordance with a cellular communicationtechnique, and a second transducer portion including the transducerportion, first and second feed line contacts, and the first port and thesecond port.